Editorial: VBT Police, Fire respond to ‘layoffs’

The Dec. 1 meeting of the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees was before a room filled with agitated police officers, fire fighters, and residents – all wanting to know what was going on.
Sixteen comments were made in an hour-long discussion set off by the township attorney’s email to the fire fighter negotiating team concerning dissolving the duty crew and a verbal, 7-day notice from “the employer” that layoffs were coming in the police department.
Resident Katherine Walsh started off the comments by saying she has been reading things on the Independent website about those and other topics and, “There’s a big elephant in this room” that’s not being talked about. She said the police layoffs have been brushed off as “a big misunderstanding” by one township official.
Clerk Wright said the board didn’t send a letter to fire fighters and if the board didn’t send it, it’s just a “letter floating around.” But that letter was signed by the township attorney.
Officer Chris Valinski pointed out the 2016 budget approved just minutes earlier has funding in place to maintain the staff for the next year.
“Layoffs had been discussed,” Clerk Wright admitted.
Lt. Mark Buckberry, president of the POLC Command unit, said he and Sgt. Louis Keele were talking on Nov. 23 and Director Greg Laurain said the employment offer to a new officer was rescinded because there may be layoffs of 5-10 officers, depending on how deep the board wants to go.
The director said he had to call Officer Adam Byrd to tell him to alert union members, Buckberry said. “I’m Officer Byrd’s supervisor and I’ve never questioned his integrity,”
Byrd said at the board’s work/study session he was accused of being confused and he’s not confused at all.
Former Public Safety Director Carl McClanahan asked who made the decision to give an official notice of layoffs – and why? There was no answer from the board. At the end of the meeting, Sgt. Marc Abdilla said to the board: “You got us. It’s up to you what you do with us.”
(More on the meeting in next week’s paper.)

63 Comments

So what I take out of this is that Laurain is lying to his officers and he is lying to the board? Or is the board lying to cover their butts? Who would have thought lying politicians and crooked police chiefs?

We are going to have to endure another whole year of this bull. There is nothing else that can be done. Police and Fire chief are still employed which says the board doesn’t care about their unethical business conduct. They can spend our hard earned money any way they wish. It is a slap in every tax payers face. They simply do not care what we think.

“Toxic leadership is a combination of self-centered attitudes, motivations, and behaviors that have adverse effects on subordinates, the organization, and mission performance. This leader lacks concern for others and the climate of the organization, which leads to short- and long-term negative effects.” Forbes January 2014. True definition of Director Laurain and the Township Board

Once again, mismanagement by Laurain causing problems for the everyday employees of the township. That layoff rumor was probably started by him, part of his scare tactics he uses to get what he wants. Remember, this is the highest paid Director in our history with only a high school diploma. (The previous director had a masters degree).
The leadership in the public safety department is non existant. Its a do what you want when you want mentality, not whats right. If you fire them, you ll pass a millage. Guaranteed.

I agree, the board we have now needs to be shaken up and some need to go! Our police and fire shouldn’t have to deal with this. They risk their lives for us every day! Thank you to the Van Buren Police and Fire Officers who have maintained a high level of integrity and service during such a poor time of morale within the departments! Please community support our police and fire! Miss management is not their fault and they unfortunately are ruled by fear. I am glad that the blended rate firefighter and officer was disciplined and suspended for taking advantage of the blended rate system. Too bad he made others look bad, now is the time to start building up our first responder, not kicking them while they are down. Its well be on time to build the morale of the police department back up! New management is the key!

I have several friends who work at vbpd. The one department one team as advertised on the patrol cars is anything but that. Morale is the lowest its ever been and getting worse by the day.
When questioned on some decisions, at one point Laurain went to McDonald’s and picked up job applications, placing them in the squad room and telling officers if they dont like their job McDonald’s was hiring.
Our police department is regressing, not progressing and has for several years now. Good people are going through very tough times because of one person. Seems like a easy solution, but nobody has the backbone to make a decision.

That is just disgusting to hear the top cop is putting applications for other employment in the squad room. It is no wonder he has a whole department of employees who think he is unfit for the job. How can you justify treating people with that much disrespect.

On behalf of the entire Patrol and Dispatcher’s Union I thank you for the attendance at the December 1, 2015 Board Meeting. We have a number of concerns in front of us, but we are confident that the entire organization will come together to address these challenges and regain our focus on delivering superior service to the residents, business and visitors in Van Buren Township. I been with this organization for 9 years and have never seen all three unions (Command, Patrol, and Fire Unions) as cohesive as we are at this time.

As the union president of this union I want to give a special thank you to Lieutenant and Command Union President Mark Buckberry. His words were far beyond what many would have done for our union and organization.

Thank you Officers Byrd and Buckberry. In my experience they have always had the utmost integrity and respect for their job. I am glad that the unions are all on the same page. Time for positive change in Van Buren in 2016!

At this meeting Leon Wright swears he gave no directive for police lay-offs. Sharry Budd sat silent. Linda Combs has been on leave of absence since Nov. 2 a day before the failed millage election. And Laurain was seen in Sharry’s office all week. So what do you think folks? Did Laurain decide there were going to be lay-offs on his own or was he coerced to do so?

budd is in charge and has been since combs was elected. this had to have been a directive from budd out of anger for the failed millage. she is usually at the center of all gossip and manipulations. her silence at the board meetings just means she wants to remain in the background so as not to lose votes.

If you were in attendance or watched this meeting unfold from the broadcast, you would have heard the term “Leadership” mentioned several times. It’s a term that seems to have several different meanings within the “leaders” that we have elected and the Township Board whom has appointed them. However, an effective leader is universal and the qualities of a great leader are not hard to miss. If a leader doesn’t understand the concept of “service above self” they will not hold the trust, confidence, and loyalty of those they lead. An over abundance of ego, pride, and arrogance are not positive leadership traits and it is quite obvious that this is what is happening now. A Real leader takes the blame and gives the credit – not the other way around. We all make mistakes in life, but when you own them, correct them and move forward, makes you the better person in the long run.

In a nutshell; if a leader receives a vote of non-confidence from their subordinates…game over.

Thank you Adam for standing up to the bullies we have in our township. They think they can do whatever they want with no rules or laws. They need to get it together.I think it is to late for them to come together and resolve issues. The next millage won’t pass either unless serious changes are made.

Tdr: Sorry, you probably don’t have the connections to get that kind of special treatment. I’m wondering where that whole $10 went? Driver’s advantage charges $315 a student and he only pays $10? Such a joke

At this meeting Leon swears, “He tries to be honest”. Tells the police to delete texts and erase e-mails and swears to find out what happened with the notice to the union of police lay-offs. Also kept throwing in no closures of a fire station….like you were even thinking about it?
What we didn’t hear is not getting rid of the duty-crew, no police lay-offs or a public apology to Adam Byrd, the police officers, the fire fighters and the public. We’ll hold you to your promise to find out “How this happened”, Mr Wright, and see just how honest you can be.
I agree, get rid of Laurain and keep Jason Wright who’s reputation across the state is that he goes by the book and doesn’t need to rewrite it, to cover-up stupid decisions that are hurtful to the public and our police and fire families.

Just because Leon Wright and Linda Combs signed off on Bessons secondary employment form (their signatures are 6 days PRIOR to Besson’s) does that make it a sound decision for the township?
Besson’s employment agreement states that he must respond on a 24-hour basis to a variety of circumstances that may occur in the Township. And, that his normal schedule will be from 8:00am until 5:00 pm.
If you want to get rid of Besson, just fire him. Don’t reward him with additional personnel to cover his obligations while he works another job.

Ms. Madigan, is there any job in the world where a person is expected to never have time off? So what you are spreading is an untruth. Dan is an 80 hour employee and responds to major incidents after hours. He has paid time off just like any other salaried employee and has the right to use it as he pleases. You are an angry and hostile woman. Despite all of the FOIAs you submit you still remain ignorant of what the real issues are. Stop spreading gossip.

So you want to tell me Jennifer Besson, that Dan works 80 hours a week? Really!?! Does this count him taking his kids to school? Or how about when he teaches at Schoolcraft. How about when he is blatantly allowing the cops to work hours at FD against the rules set up by the Twp board? I guess you have to pay back favors to those who you owe. He is a joke, has no ethical compass, breaks the rules for those who know too much to buy their silence, plays the system to his advantage at the expense of the tax payer.

Leon stated that Chief Besson uses comp time to work his second job during his normal work hours. I assume you are related to the chief and please see the issue from an unbiased taxpaying view. When a chief is absent from duty every week to teach a class outside of the township one can only wonder if he is actually ising vacation time or comp time, which I don’t entirely understandm
What is an 80 hour employee? Do you mean 80 every 2 weeks?

Fire Chiefs and other heads of departments do not usually get comp time. it is not a 40 hour/week job. That is why it is what it is. the nature of the beast to say. Gets a take home car (well 2 of them but lets not get technical on the tax payers behalf), more flexible hours, oh and the big one SALARIED!! So show up to work, you dont get comp time you are a salaried employee, not a work when I want and leave for 4 days in the week to teach all day. What a racket! He needs to go, and so does Laurien for allowing this to happen on his watch. Oh thats right, he lets it go because Besson lets Laurien’s screw the taxpayer attitude go, so the cops get $50/hour to work in the fire station. Meanwhile, Ann Arbor is hiring firemen for $15 and they have to be an EMT and firefighter, here you can work for $50/hour and we the taxpayer will pay for you to get schooled.

Please provide a list of the incidents that he has responded to “after hours”. not that he should not have time off, that he should not have time off to work another job during the hours he is paid to work for the taxpayers.

I’m not sure if Diane is an angry woman Or not but, I speak the truth… Dan Besson has and had no leadership skills. He stepped in whoever he could to get this spit and even then he was not trusted with it. He got it by default when no one else wanted VBT because they knew it was trouble. This all goes way back and when some got called out on it… Other cronies took their place!

I think Besson collaborated with Champagne to get your husband fired because he wanted that job at all costs. He should have sued, he deserves justice. He cares about no one but himself. It is the same old song and dance with Laurain. They only care about numero uno.

So he uses only vacation time to work his other job, not affiliated with van buren? That’s strange, because he teaches more days than he has vacation time. I guess you now opened up that can of worms. Ms. Besson has Dan violated his contract?

I am related. I am his wife and so I may be a little biased in your view. However, I am also a taxpayer in the township. My husband has never had more than one work vehicle at home. I have never driven a township car unless they now have a 2008 Mini Cooper in the fleet but I’m sure you could FOIA that and find out for sure. None of you have any idea what it’s like to be a fire chief. I am telling you that he works more than 40 hours a week. How do I know this? Because I live with him! Just last week he was gone till after 9 pm two of the nights and had been at work all day. You can chuckle or do whatever you must about me saying that, but it’s true. When you guys go around spreading rumors and lies, you have no basis for it. Have you sat in front of our house? Do you go to the fire station everyday? Educate yourselves on what is really happening before you perpetuate the nonsense. What you have seen printed in this paper is not accurate and I’ve kept my mouth shut for far too long. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but do not present your opinion as fact.

Mrs Besson,
I know exactly how you are feeling as I am a fire chiefs wife. One in fact that was done very dirty by VBT and likely your husband. As the Chiefs wife I know the long hours they put in and it’s thankless. That being said its what he signed up for or should I say cheated his way up to. I have kept my mouth shut for much longer than you trust me! My husband took the road of leaving without suing because it’s not fair to citizens to keep having to pay for these law suits. That’s what a public officer should think of first and foremost. My husband tried warning what he thought was the correct people about these very problems this department faces today. The only thing it got him was unemployed. So why don’t you just be thankful he at least has a job! Karma always comes around and unfortunately you got stuck with his. I admire you for standing by your man though.

Jennifer Besson I know it doesn’t feel good to see that your husband is not who you think he is while he is playing Chief. He is not well liked by his employees and surrounding chiefs and there is a reason for that. He has double standards, he thinks only of himself and has bad business ethics. He should be terminated for many things. He has proven to be a liar and there is rumor of you driving the township vehicle. Please don’t pretend to be the victim while you are abusing my tax dollars.

You guys are so uninformed. He does not teach more days than he has vacation time. I am sorry that I misspoke. He taught for 3 hours one day per week. If he did not get his 40 hours in he used vacation time. Most weeks because of meetings and other fire related activities he has a lot more than 40 hours and then he doesn’t use vacation time. I’m not sure why anyone would think that he’s teaching all the time.

Mrs. Besson, Schoolcraft college does have an online brochure of the classes that your husband teaches including dates and times for 2015. While I admit that I didn’t see 4 days a week (on a brief scan of the courses) what I do see is that he teaches an entire 8 hours from 9am – 5pm on weekdays at least twice a week. I fully understand the 24/7 employment but I have always known this type of employment to be first and foremost Monday – Friday with on call after hours and on the weekends.

You said the magic word “rumor.” I don’t abuse anyone’s township dollars and whoever is hateful enough to bring me into this should be absolutely ashamed of herself. I’m sorry you have been misinformed and I’m sorry you believe everything you read. I know I can’t change your opinions, but I can be a voice of reason. It should also be noted that putting lies in print to the point that it damages a reputation is called slander and there are laws against it. If you want to see how many township vehicles are in my driveway just stop by or go to the fire department and see if all their vehicles are accounted for or you could even FOIA the information from the township. Unless there is a 2008 Mini Cooper on their books then I have done nothing wrong. Please don’t perpetuate idiotic rumors.

The problem Jennifer is he has been hired to be a chief, they work over 40 hours a week. He is not expected to be a minute counter on his hours. He is paid in excess of $100,000/year plus a take home car (and the one you were driving prior to have a spot light on you, don’t worry proof is coming, so it isn’t libel), with a huge raise. He is expected to work real hours, no one works 40 hours anymore as a full time salaried employee (well maybe except in the VBT Public Safety offices). Just because the fraud has stopped don’t think it hasn’t already been proven, just getting everything set. And thanks for putting in writing he teaches 3 hours a day. Always nice to have evidence in writing of the lies.
With how much he lies to all the tax payers makes you wonder if you should trust him doesn’t it?

I actually have the last three years of Schoolcraft fire classes and Mr. besson is listed for more than 3 hours per day per week as a teacher. Not sure if you knew that. Unless these are misprints. You can find them online.

3 Hours? HA! Just check out the flyer from Schoolcraft college and keep in mind that where it says ‘team’ that means that Besson and the 2 RETIRED FD instructors teach together. When Besson teaches it is from 9am – 5pm which is 8 hours last time I checked. Here’s a link to the flyer:

Holy smokes. Nov. 9th is a Friday and Besson taught 8 hours, September 28 and 29 is a Mon/Tue and he taught 16 hours. Sept 8 and 9 a Mon/Tue and he taught another 16 hours.

DID COMBS APPROVE THAT??????? 40 hours in that time span and he has that much comp time? Is a salaried employee eligible for comp time? His wife Jennifer Besson must have forgotten about those days. 3 hours is a crock.

Yeah, either she ‘forgot’ about those days or most likely it’s just another lie that can be proven just by looking at the flyer. I didn’t even check the 2016 schedule. I’ll be Fire Chief if I get that much comp / vacation time to moonlight! Most of the people running this township are as bad as the current President of this country.

Just a little FOIAd info here that will prove Laurain and Besson have questionable integrity. Also questions whether Combs signed off on Besson’s original 2014 release.

On Dec.18th, 2014 Besson filled-in and signed VBTs Request for Supplementary Employment and/or Disclosure of Business Interest of Employee or Family Member form.

Prior to Besson’s signature on Dec. 12th Laurain approved and signed
Prior to Besson’s signature, on Dec. 15th Combs may have signed but the approval and date are definitely filled in by Laurain.

The form clearly states:
1. This employment or business relationship must in no way conflict with the Township rules concerning supplementary employment or business relationship or cause a conflict with work hours required for Township employment.
2. This employment or business relationship will not interfere with the quality of my Township work or the satisfactory and impartial performance of my Township duties.
3. I must secure written approval from my departmental supervisor and the Township Supervisor before engaging in or changing currently approved supplementary employment.
4. I am prohibited from working, whether for compensation or otherwise, for any business or organization that does business with or provides services to the Township without first giving at least seven (7) days notice to and receiving approval from the Supervisor and the majority of full-time elected officials or the Township Board.

Besson’s employment contract states his normal work schedule is from 8:00 am until 5:00pm Monday thru Friday. For 2016 starting in Jan. Besson has committed teaching at Schoolcraft for 15 weeks on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 12:24. Fall, 2015 Besson taught several weekday classes from 9 am to 5 pm.
Employee may request a modification to his normal work schedule but such modification will not be effective unless prior approval is granted from the Township Supervisor or his designee.

There is no record of Besson changing the disclosure agreement with the Township. And no record of approval for changing his normal work schedule.

Also on Besson’s employment contract it states: On occasion he may be require to respond outside the regular business hours to emergencies requiring his presence as it relates to the Fire Department. This service is compensated as part of the Employee’s annual salary.

On the take-home car: The Fire Chief must respond on a 24-hour basis to a variety of circumstances that may occur IN the township. The vehicle is used for his unlimited use in conducting official township business. Any amendments may be adopted by the Board of Trustees.

The worst part is that the township issued vehicle for the Chief is used to travel to and from his secondary/supplementary employment at Schoolcraft college in livonia. Talk about abuse of policy. Combs probably signed off on it though.

PTO Days Paid Time off Days (PTO), for Salaried Employees are the combining of vacation, sick and personal days into a single program for compensation during times away from work. Approved by the appropriate Director or the Twp Supervisor. PTO Days must be scheduled in advance, and taken at a time that do not conflict with the departments needs. I do not think Salaried department heads, (Directors or Chiefs) qualify or have what is known as “Comp Time” for paid time off. Comp time is time off for prior worked overtime. Salaried employees do not qualify for overtime, and/or comp time.

Outside Employment. All requests must be made in writing to the Township Supervisor, and the Supervisor’s decision is final, and anyone who violated this decision is subject to discipline up to and including termination at the discretion of the Supervisor. The Supervisor must consider the demands of the Township first, and how the outside employment will affect the the employees obligations to the township.

There is a glaring contradiction in the statements provided by “Jennifer Besson” which indicate dishonesty. I was on the fence about Dan’s participation in the questionable activities that have and are still taking place within our township. I am no longer on the fence and hope the board soon realizes that Laurain and Besson are very good at playing them for fools. Just like any organization, changes need to be made. Laurain and Besson need to be let go if any of the board members hope for re-election or a millage passing. It will not pass at this current state.

Work Schedule. The work schedule for salaried employees is the business hours of the township offices. The minimum work week is 40 hours. Employees may need to work outside of the business hours to perform their duties. Department of Public Safety hours are 24/7/365, so tje salaried employees deviation from the M-F schedule may be is necessary in order to perform the position effectively. Employees may change their daily hours of work to attend important meetings. (for example, Township Board Meeting where their presence is requested). As Supervisor, my average work week was 65-70 hours per week. I was usually first to work every morning, with one other Director, Tom MacDonald. I also was in the Fire Station often at 7AM on weekends to have coffee with the firefighters. Attended the PD Roll Call @ 6AM several times, and a couple of times on holidays. Christmas Eve and Christmas. If I left the office late, I would stop off at Roll Call before going home. Many activities out of the office on nights and weekends too. However, enjoyment of the position and dedication to our township residents was a priority. Downriver Water & Sewer , Downriver Utilities Wastewater Authority, SEMCOG, Aerotropolis, MMRMA, MI.Association of Twp Spvrs. , Conference of Western Wayne Michign Township Association, and others.

Township owned vehicles. are for the use of employees in key positions, for the conducting of official township business. and may be used for travel from home to work. Personal use of a township vehicle is prohibited with the prior approval of the Township Supervisor. As Supervisor, a daily log was kept in detail with mileage. I paid for the mileage for travel to and from home. This was deducted from my paycheck at the IRS rate. I did respond to incidents in the township when notified. . Structure fires, fatality accidents, The rear ending of our fire truck by a semi on the I-94 X-way on a very cold morning at 3:30AM as an example. Our FF was slightly injured. Notified of a semi confiscation at night also. Several others too. Part of the job!
Dedication and responsibility of the Supervisor.
lI made different posts of different issues so others may comment of the specific posts.

The problems are what is happening now. Decisions are being made, not for the township best interest but for what is best for Laurain and Besson, There are policies in place but they are not being followed. Lies are being told from one meeting to the next. It’s no wonder the millage didn’t pass.

I heard there was a union survey conducted at Laurain’s request resulting in a no confidence majority and asking him to resign. Laurain and Besson have lost all respect and confidence from those they were hired to lead. It’s time for them to go. There is no integrity and no leadership.

At some point doesn’t the board ask themselves “Why didn’t the millage pass?”

There are so many reasons. Top 3: Combs, Besson and Laurain. Remove these 3 and you will pass your millage and all will be fine again in the township. Make sure you separate the Visteon Bond millage from Public Safety though.

Nicole Karver, very commendable comments on Leadership. This scare tactic has just brought our brave men & women of the police department and fire department closer together and unified. Adam Byrd has indeed stood up to the bullies on our township board, he is brave and honorable. The board needs to re-group and unify but that seems impossible when they all seem to have a separate agenda and main one is absent. The absent one is supposed to be the leader so now they are led by the bully. The bully prefers to remain hidden but can’t because the “leader” is absent, this exposure is hard when you’re used to hiding in the background. The bully wants to be in charge and have power but only behind the scenes not during a board meeting when voters can see and hear. The silence from the bully speaks volumes.

The so called leader, picks and chooses where she shows her head. One sighting on Sunday evening at the fire station after the tragic fire on Denton Rd. Another sighting yesterday at the township hiding in the Denton Room for the MAFF closed session.

Last time I saw her was at the Nov. 10 LDFA meeting. She had passed a note to the chair, Mike Dotson asking for duct-tape for her mouth.

Our so called leader should have stepped down, but then she wouldn’t get her fat paycheck… Which she is receiving full compensation during her absence. She knows she will not be re-elected so she is milking the system. I wonder if she took notes from Laurain and Besson. They are pretty good at milking the system with all this “comp time”.

If heart runs for supervisor and wins the cancerous one will continue to be in control of the budget just as king allowed her to prepare the budget. This is the “cancerous clique”. If someone other that heart wins the election for supervisor they better watch out if the cancerous one does not approve of this person. Their job will be made extremely difficult because she will be working behind the scenes to spread her toxins by manipulations and back stabbing. This will never be a premier community if this unprofessional, uncultured, uneducated “cancerous one” remains in office.

This comment is off subject in this thread but as there was no place to leave it I am choosing here. In today’s paper the annual wage report for VBT was published. Yes, I see it every year. But, has anyone really looked at the dollar figures? I googled the average wage of a police officer in Michigan and here is the result:

According to Indeed, the average salary for a police officer in Michigan is $29,000. Michigan state police have a starting salary of $41,000, Criminal Justice Degree Schools reported. After 20 years of service, they are granted the maximum salary for an officer of $62,000.Jul 15, 2015

Then I googled the average wage of firefighters in Michigan and the result was this:

Fire Fighter, Firefighter.
What is the average Fire Fighter salary for Detroit, MI? How much does a Fire Fighter in Detroit, MI make? The median annual Fire Fighter salary in Detroit, MI is $43,590 with a range usually between $32,694-$54,489.

Quite literally, 100% of our police department have much higher salaries than the rest of this State! And 5 of them earn additional wages as firefighters!

These dollar amounts are not justified in Van Buren Township at all. When a cat climbs a tree the entire on duty police department and fire department show up along with the fire chief.

Wake up Van Buren residents. We need to clean house. This is our tax dollars paying their wages and they don’t deserve it. I’m not saying that I don’t respect the job duties of police and firemen, but they do the same job as anyone else with the same positions across the State do but they get paid FAR MORE than the rest of the State.

This township has no money because we are paying top dollar for our public safety people. They don’t do anything any more special than police or firefighters in any other city or township….except that some them pull double duty as both police and firefighters.

The wages reported probably include overtime not just the base salary. I would guess that their base pay is comparable to MSP and the surrounding communities. A state average would include all of the smaller departments in rural areas where the cost of living is lower. The numbers at the high end are usually for supervisors.

Disgusted is correct, VBT can not afford those high wages. They’re concerned about money so recently asked the residents for an increase in the public safety millage. Not only is top dollar paid for police wages but also the 3 full time elected officials make a high wage. The salary comparisons are very helpful and yes we do need to clean house.